-As they hailed him for affording them conducive environment to do their businesses.
By: Jerromie S. Walters
The Federation of Petty Traders & Informal Workers Union of Liberia (FEPTIWUL), a conglomeration of different Petty Traders Associations from across Liberia, over the weekend, venerated and honored the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee, in commemoration of what they termed as the conducive trading environment permitted vendors over the last five years, by the government and through the Monrovia City Cooperation.
The event which was held under the Old Education Ministry on Mechlin Street, on 12th, August, 2023, conglomerated chapters’ heads of the Union, bloc leaders, the Head of the Paynesville, Bardnesville, Randall Street, and Mechlin Street vendors Association heads.
At the occasion, the vendors acknowledged that even though they are apolitical, they strongly believe honors should be given to those that deserve it, and the Mayor deserve to be applauded, considering that for decades they were suppressed during the past administration, but since the ascendency of Mayor Koijee, and the CDC administration, it has been a different case.
As part of the appreciation, the vendors gowned the Monrovia City Mayor with an African Clothes, and presented him a unique image frame made with his photo.
Overwhelmed by the vendors gesture, the Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee, at the occasion, appreciated them for their courage, and hailed the President for accepting his decision to allow them do what they survive by.
Throughout the five years, the Mayor attributed the vendors easy access and conducive environment to the President love for them, and considering that they too deserve to be respected and protected.
For the city to be clean, the Mayor said it is not about frustrating poor people and undermining their source of survival.
According to him, solutions should be provided for the people, if it (city orderliness) is to be achieved. This comes after he alluded that his ability to maintain orderliness I’m the city has been questioned, by some Liberians who only believe struggling street vendors should be taken from the streets, even if there’s no other solution.
He described it as a selfish perception, as he stated that owners (Indigenous Liberians) of most of the big unpainted buildings in Liberia who have refused to commit themselves to government regulations, are the same individuals who persistently pressured the government to enforce it’s regulations on the ordinary people.
“They believe that you and myself were born not to have right, they used to that slavery mentality. They expect you to struggle,” he told the vendors.
In his opinion, and especially from a political standpoint, the Mayor articulated that individuals with the mindset to transform a country and the lives of its people, literally don’t have to be President or in national government. “You don’t have to be President to address the issues.“
Moreover, he believes the pending presidential elections is not about the President, but rather Liberians. “This election is not about the President”. He admonished the vendors.
“We want the street vendors to take charge of the inauguration,” he said. And noted that it is only in Liberia the association is not given attention. With this, he wants them be more organized, “There must be a time that your story have to change,” he encouraged.
“That’s the revolution you are overlooking, a revolution that will take you from the street to the store,” he said, and urged them to protect the revolution. The Monrovia City Mayor further urged the need for respect, unity and togetherness amongst the street vendors.
Form his end, the National President of the
Federation of Petty Traders & Informal Workers Union of Liberia (FEPTIWUL), Charles Konnah, thanked the Mayor for the nurture relationship they have had throughout the last five years, and encouraged his colleagues to hail the government for their recognition on the national scene.
For decades, he said they experienced several challenges in doing their business, as they were chased off the streets on countless occasions, and at different points and times, they lost significant quantities of their goods.
He described it as a privileges for them, and further stressed that it is incomparable to that of other Mayors and administrations.
“We will work alone with you to the end,” they assured. As they are hoping that his presence in the capacity will be as long as they wish.
